Best Golf Irons 2023

Best Golf Irons

Getting the best golf irons to suit your game could make all the difference to your on-course performance. Good iron play will give you scoring opportunities and the potential to knock strokes off your handicap. If you’re an improving player, you should probably look towards the best game improvement irons (opens in new tab), or some of the most forgiving irons (opens in new tab) on the market to help your iron play.

VIDEO: Watch Joel Tadman test nine of the latest players' distance irons

Alternatively if you have a slightly lower handicap then the best compact mid-handicap irons (opens in new tab) might give you a variety of models to consider because they give a blend of consistency and feel. Whatever style you’re looking for, you want to feel comfortable and confident with the irons you choose. A set of irons is one of the most expensive purchases in golf and it can be a minefield trying to make the right decision. We are here to help. Here we’re looking at the best of the best – what we consider to be the best golf irons currently on the market.

Best Golf Irons - Best Golf Iron Sets

Best All Round Irons

Perhaps the most complete iron for any low-handicap player, the Ping i230 is a reliable, versatile iron that can strike all the right shots while delivering an extremely low margin for error given its compact shape. Tour pros including Stewart Cink and Tyrrell Hatton use the i230 irons, and if that's anything to go by, then if you're a scratch golfer you should also take a look at these high-performance clubs. 

At the address, these clubs boast a very slim profile that will appeal to the eye of the better player and improve your club delivery. The 431 stainless steel body, tungsten toe screw, shaft tip weight and concealed elastomer help the club to deliver a muscle style look, that helps players zip the ball off the clubface. While it looks incredible, the iron also feels great too, combining a lively, stable feel with a muted sound. Even poor swings felt responsive through the turf. Distance is plenty and we loved the trajectory these irons offered. In truth, it was hard to find flaws in these irons which are one of the best irons for low handicappers (opens in new tab). 

• Read our full Ping i230 Iron Review (opens in new tab)

A lively distance iron that is more appropriate to accomplished game improvers, the JPX923 Hot Metal Pro is a stunning golf iron designed to add more distance to your game. While none of the hot metal pro irons are aimed at the better players, per se, this is the model that will be best for lower handicappers looking for a distance iron (opens in new tab). Visually, it has more black detailing on its club head compared to the JPX923 Hot Metal (opens in new tab) but it has a shorter blade length and a thinner topline. 

Out of the three JPX923 irons, we hit this one the furthest and had more speed than the standard Hot Metal, delivering a confidence inspiring profile that allowed us to really swing through each shot at full power. It delivered great spin rates and healthy ball flights that meant we had no concerns getting the ball to check on the greens. But while it delivers great distance, it is also up there as one of the most forgiving irons (opens in new tab) around. 

• Read our full Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Pro Iron Review (opens in new tab)

Some of the best Callaway irons ever made are models that cover a wide range of abilities, and this Apex design does just that. Not only will it deliver for those who want distance and forgiveness, but it also delivers for those who want more feel and feedback too.

There are a number of alterations to the Apex 19's to talk about here. For example the Apex 21 design is the first forged iron with a Flash Face Cup designed with Artificial Intelligence for faster ball speeds. Second it has a new Tungsten Energy Core which is five times heavier than the tungsten weight in the Apex 19 irons to promote higher and more consistent launch and spin.

Finally, like the other models below, the Apex has been forged from 1025 carbon steel for soft feel which really differentiates this iron from most. In testing, we found the Apex to be soft in feel yet powerful, producing good distance. This is a club that really rewards good ball-striking and it will suit aspiring players looking for a blend of power and feel.

• Read our full Callaway Apex Irons Review (opens in new tab)

TaylorMade claims to have made some minor tweaks to the design of the new P770 iron for 2023 that should subtly enhance the playing experience. Notably, less offset in the long irons and a slightly more compact look overall. The CG (center of gravity) locations have also been adjusted to improve the launch and playability in the long irons while increasing spin in the short irons.

We still see the stunning looks of the previous model, with the mirror chrome section on the back moving more towards the toe. What's more, you still get that playability and consistency, with a hollow construction packed full of technology. This includes up to 46g of tungsten, so it feels livelier than most.

One observation that many golfers will be pleased with is that the longer irons seemed to be more playable than the previous generation and, overall, it is a perfect traditionally-lofted, user-friendly iron for the competent player. 

• Read our full TaylorMade P770 2023 Iron Review (opens in new tab)

The Wilson D9 Forged irons fall into the players distance iron category and as such will suit a wide array of golfers. The D9 Forged irons, which are replacing the D7 Forged irons in Wilson’s lineup, offer players the compact, classic shaping and soft, forged feel that they want but with an influx of ball speed and forgiveness that makes them more playable than a traditional blade or smaller forged cavity back.

Keying the quick ball speeds and expanded sweet spot that the D9s offers are power holes that have been positioned along the sole of the club of the long and mid irons to help the face flex more at impact to provide consistently fast speeds from across the face. In terms of their look, the D9 forged irons would qualify as quite compact in the players distance iron category, including a shorter blade length and relatively thin topline, and the 8620 carbon steel that has been used to forge the face provides a soft yet responsive impact sound and feel.

• Read our full Wilson D9 Forged Iron Review (opens in new tab)

For 2022, Japanese brand, Honma, has continued to produce some of the finest looking irons that money can buy, with the release of the TW757 Vx (opens in new tab) only enhancing the company’s reputation as makers of some of the best equipment in the world. Along with its sleek handcrafted looks, the irons are crammed with technology, with a forged cavity back design emphasising feel, distance and forgiveness.

Crafted from a soft S20 steel, the TW757 Vx features a single seven-gram tungsten weight that is positioned in the toe, thus allowing for an extension in the club’s centre of gravity. As a result, the face at address appears large, providing users with confidence for cleaner strikes. In fact at address, it is surprisingly inviting to look down on while still being compact and refined - clearly no metal has been wasted in creating the clubhead.

• Read our full Honma TW757 Vx Iron Review (opens in new tab)

Most Forgiving Irons

Ping irons that don the ‘G’ moniker are known for being a forgiving distance iron that is well built and stylish. The Ping G425 delivers on all these fronts and has a classy and understated look compared to the bolder red colours featured on the G410. Of course the look is completely subjective, but we think this new design gives the G425 an altogether more premium look. The overall size of the blade is slightly smaller than the G410 too, creating a slightly more compact look at address, but the shape has pretty much stayed the same.

Off the face, the G425 feels fast, making a nice loud sound without being too clicky. It is very stable off the face too, with toe and heel strikes maintaining a strong line through the air. The strong descent angle through most of the set also means it’s nice and easy to control these irons when approaching greens.

Arccos sensors are now embedded in the grips throughout the G425 family and the premium shot tracking technology is another way these irons can directly improve your game. By resisting changing the lofts for even more distance, Ping has evolved the G425 into a forgiving, controllable and classy looking iron suited to a wide-range of golfers.

• Read our full Ping G425 Irons Review (opens in new tab)

The design of the LTDx looks similarly complex. In fact, it has a floating steel bar completely separate from the body and face suspended in a lightweight polymer to get the centre of gravity right behind the preferred striking area. This is said to encourage the face to flex more while also aiding the feel and sound.

Down at address, you’ll notice the cut out section from the topline we saw in Radspeed has gone, which will please the traditionalists. It certainly looks inviting to hit although the rear of the sole is visible in the playing position from 7-iron and down, which we’d rather not see. This is likely a product of the fact the lofts have got even stronger here - the 7-iron is 26.5°.

For golfers that want to hit longer, straighter iron shots, the LTDx from Cobra delivers. The number on the bottom of irons has never meant so little, with lofts here getting even stronger to produce a penetrating flight, which could limit playability for those golfers that struggle to launch the ball. Comes with Arccos Smart Sensors and is available in One Length.

• Read our full Cobra King LTDx Iron Review (opens in new tab)

This iron is built around the DualCor (DC) system that comprises two types os polymer inside the hollow head. The inner core polymer provides energy return while the outer core high COR polymer provides increased structural stability to support the thin steel face.

The standard 7-iron loft is 28°, so clearly this is a distance-orientated iron but through custom it can be built two degrees stronger or weaker. Our testing told us that this is a cast game improvement iron that sounds and somewhat feels like a forged club. The ball flat is quite low but the spin is high, which creates a balance of distance, a strong trajectory and stopping power that golfers of all abilities look for but especially the higher handicapper.

The longer shaft length also helps with generating distance, as does the extremely thin face that makes shots come off fast and consistently so. Looks wise, PXG has done a good job of hiding the sizeable chassis at address through topline masking although the back of the sole is visible in the longer irons. That said, for just £75 a club in the stock True Temper Elevate steel shaft, there is excellent value for money on offer here.

• Read our full PXG 0211 DC Iron Review (opens in new tab)

The Titleist T300 iron is a game improvement club that offers a good combination of forgiveness and feel. Max impact technology remains and has been improved aesthetically because Titleist has taken the extra tungsten weighting and hidden it. This technology allows the face to be thinner, thereby improving launch, speed and feel.

The gentle offset means this player will appeal to a wide spectrum players seeking forgiveness and distance but from an iron that isn’t obviously geared towards higher handicappers. In testing we found it produced a noticeable jump in distance compared to the Titleist T200 and the dispersion was excellent too. Additionally they are very easy to hit.

This is a great option for improving players seeking a little more distance and consistency – A distance machine with a classic look, and one of the best game improvement irons out there just now.

• Read our full Titleist T300 Irons Review (opens in new tab)

The Rogue ST Pro is a beautiful hollow body iron with slightly more traditional lofts than the other Rogue ST models in a compact, players shape. It’s the most workable model among the best Callaway irons (opens in new tab) with a thin top-line and reduced offset.

Featuring Callaway’s new A.I. Face Optimization unique for each club in the set to create spin rate consistency across the face. Precision weighting features up to 48g of high-density tungsten, a 188 percent increase over the Mavrik, for improved launch conditions and maximized speed across the face. Because of all of this technology, it features in Golf Monthly's Editor's Choice for 2022. (opens in new tab)

With a 7-iron loft of 30.5°, this iron is clearly still built to offer good distance but in a refined, elegant manner that will please the low handicapper. The size is appealing without being clunky and we really enjoyed the ball striking experience on offer. For our money, it’s the best all-round model within the Rogue ST range.

• Read our full Callaway Rogue ST Pro Iron Review (opens in new tab)

Players Distance Irons

The TaylorMade P790 irons will appeal to a broad range of players. They offer a great blend of distance and forgiveness in a compact clubhead. The Speed Pocket in the clubhead helps to create greater forgiveness and consistency while the use of SpeedFoam dampens vibration, creating quite an unusual sound and feel at impact.

But the results are impressive with consistently long and straight ball flights. The use of tungsten weighting helps to further assist forgiveness, as does the inverted cone face. The ball is extremely fast off the face of these irons, like you would expect from a hollow club, and we like the slimline compact package. You can also make it look more sleek too with the P790 Black version which looks absolutely stunning. Overall, it’s a strong performer that will suit a range of handicaps.

• Read our full 2021 TaylorMade P790 Irons Review (opens in new tab)

As underwhelming as the previous version of this club was, Mizuno has really stepped up the performance with Pro 225 iron. It feels infinitely hotter off the face and will really suit those mid-to-low handicappers that want to play a slim, players-looking iron without giving up distance.

The hollow head provides the spring in the step of this club while tungsten weighting provides the off-centre stability and it does it from a chassis that looks like a blade and sits compactly behind the ball. Manufacturers are able to cram in an awful lot of forgiveness into small iron heads these days and the Mizuno Pro 225 is arguably one of the very best examples.

• Read our full Mizuno Pro 225 Iron Review (opens in new tab)

The i525 iron replaces the i500 occupies the space between the G425 iron (opens in new tab) and the old i210 (opens in new tab) as a hollow, distance-orientated iron in a slimline chassis. In i525 this theme continues but Ping claims that changes inside the head should elevate the distance, forgiveness and feel to new heights. Notably, there are tungsten toe and hosel weights, a new maraging steel face for ball speed, four extra grooves to minimize fliers from the rough and an EVA polymer inside the head to provide a softer feel.

It may be one of the best compact mid-handicap irons (opens in new tab) out there, but it’s built for speed and power too. For those seeking a classic looking club with modern performance, this could be the iron for you.

• Read our full Ping i525 Irons Review (opens in new tab)

For 2022, PXG has upgraded its premium range with the launch of the 0311P Gen5 (opens in new tab), which features a XCOR2 material inside the clubhead that makes it light and fast. Essentially, the material immediately behind the ultra-thin clubface, that also extends into the sole, is one of the thinnest face in golf, the company claims. What is XCOR2? Well, it has a lighter density and higher COR than in past models and saves between five and seven grams of mass from the core, which is then moved to increase the perimeter weighting and boost MOI. It also works in conjunction with the clubface to increase face deflection, energy transfer and ball speed. 

Along with material, it has an internal power channel that helps the iron become longer and more forgiving. The feel and crisp impact sound are very satisfying, too, which can can be attributed, in part, to the iron body being forged five times over. As a result of all of this technology and performance, the 0311P Gen5's have secured a spot in our Editor's Choice for 2022. (opens in new tab)

• Read our full PXG 0311P Gen5 Iron Review (opens in new tab)

Better Player Irons

First things first, the P7MC is TaylorMade’s most played iron model on Tour which tells you the type of player this is aimed at… Ball strikers. Compared to the previous generation, the head size looks a fraction smaller, as is the muscle cavity section behind the hitting area, while the raised lines no longer extend all the way across the back. However, in short, this is a beautiful-looking iron that will certainly find its way into the best irons for low handicappers (opens in new tab).

Because it is a blade, there is somewhat a lack of forgiveness but, when struck out the middle, the feeling is simply sensational. Also, because of the lack of forgiveness, it means you’re able to work the ball, both laterally and up and down. When you’re on your game, it affords a high level of creativity.

• Read our full TaylorMade P7MC 2023 Iron Review (opens in new tab)

The Srixon ZX7 irons offer the more accomplished golfer a beautiful, compact head as well as great playability across the set. It feels very soft when striking the ball, giving you lots of feedback when you strike the ball off centre. They also have a quiet impact sound, another desirable feature in an iron aimed at lower handicappers.

The lofts of the ZX7 aren’t especially traditional (32° in the 7-iron) so these irons will likely go further than most other forged irons on the market. There is certainly scope to create a mixed set with the ZX5 model in the longer irons for forgiveness, given the precision and consistency the ZX7 irons provide on well-struck shots more commonly associated with mid and short iron shots.

• Read our full Srixon ZX7 Iron Review (opens in new tab)

One of the best Titleist irons (opens in new tab) out right now, the T100 irons have been designed to appeal to better players seeking a classic compact shape whilst still benefiting from a degree of forgiveness. They feature traditional players’ iron lofts in a forged cavity construction. The face is thin and responsive, while the use of tungsten weighting in the 3-7 irons boosts off-centre strike forgiveness.

It looks like the old Titileist 718 CB model at address thanks to being a bit more compact on the top rail, but has even more forgiveness on offer to rescue a poor strike. It feels noticeably solid and soft at impact and the extra camber on the sole helps it glide through the turf a little more easily. We enjoyed the T100s in testing and particularly found the longer irons easy to hit with good launch, consistent ball speeds and tight dispersion. This is a good, compact iron for better players looking for a blend of control and consistency.

• Read our full Titleist 2021 T100 Iron Review (opens in new tab)

The previous King Tec irons were an impressive addition to the Cobra brand, offering excellent distance, stopping power and control. Their latest edition, the Cobra 2022 King Forged Tec Irons are an upgrade on that, and while they are a more streamlined offering, we loved the user experience we had with these clubs. 

Visually, this is one of the best-looking clubs on the market. With a crisp and elegant finish, it looks like a club that can add a lot of distance to your game. We were amazed at the power this iron offered, giving a metallic sound on impact and seemed to be more gentle compared to other brands. That also felt like it helped with club stability through impact, with your hands feeling fewer vibrations on the club, resulting in better ball flights and fuller shots. Ultimately this is a fantastic, five-star golf club that we think will benefit any low handicapper (opens in new tab) looking for more distance, control and power on their golf shots. 

• Read our full Cobra 2022 King Forged Tec Iron Review (opens in new tab)

The Apex Pro 21 model which is for those who want a slightly more compact profile at address. It has the same A.I.-designed Flash Face Cup and urethane microspheres present in other Apex models, but in an all-new forged 1025 hollow body construction. Additionally Callaway has added a Tungsten Energy Core to the Pro for the first time which is to improve launch characteristics and forgiveness.

As we progressed through the Apex range during testing, we found the Apex Pro iron easier to manipulate than the standard Apex. It’s great for shot shaping, and although not as long, it produced a solid and penetrating ball flight. The look down behind the ball will clearly suit those who strike the ball well quite often, but want a little bit of extra forgiveness compared to the Apex MB.

• Read our full Callaway Apex Pro Irons Review (opens in new tab)

The i59 replaces the iBlade and the design has evolved significantly - we’re now seeing a hollow head with an aluminum core that improves feel and moves more weight to the edges for added forgiveness.

With the i59, Ping has created a faster feeling and more playable better player iron over iBlade that delivers improved consistency across the face that in testing produced more accurate approach shots. Shot making is still encouraged with a greater margin for error that will be received by all.

• Read our full Ping i59 Irons Review (opens in new tab)

Best Irons For Distance

The Stealth iron become the single game-improvement iron option in 2022, which simplifies the range nicely for golfers that want even more distance and forgiveness than what is on offer in the P790 model (opens in new tab). While the enclosed cavity concept continues, the Cap Back design has evolved to where the mid section of the toe has been completely removed to lower the CG of the iron, assisting with both ball speed and launch.

TaylorMade (opens in new tab) has made across-the-board improvements in Stealth as its game-improvement offering for 2022 over the SIM2 irons. Golfers should notice the extra forgiveness at play while being drawn in by the premium, elegant look on the shelf. The low spin might be a concern but should be able to be managed via a custom fitting. We love the accuracy and distance this club provides, which should help mid and high handicappers find more greens.

• Read our full TaylorMade Stealth Iron Review (opens in new tab)

The Wilson Staff D9 irons offer a clean, classic look with top distance performance in a competitively-priced package. The D9 has a lightweight feel, ideal for those with a moderate to slow swing speed as it is easy to swing this club fast. This also contributes to a high launch, which we found surprising considering the strong loft on the 7-iron. The D in D9 stands for distance and this club certainly delivers on that front too.

When we tested the 7-iron we were finding it carried consistently over the 190 yard mark which was a considerable distance more than the other game-improvement, distance irons (opens in new tab) launched this year. Competitively priced and clearly the longest club on the market in 2021, the D9 is as close to the perfect game improvement iron as you can find.

• Read our full Wilson Staff D9 Irons Review (opens in new tab)

The Titleist T400 iron has been designed to be the most forgiving and longest iron in Titleist’s popular T series, some of the best golf irons on the market. It has the strongest lofts in the Titleist range, but the launch is not compromised with a strong, high ball flight produced.

The split sole design delivers smooth turf interaction, while super-thin face and hollow head are fortified by high-density tungsten weighting making this a powerful and supremely forgiving iron. The set is progressive with blade lengths, sole widths and hosel lengths decreasing towards the shorter irons. Overall, we think the T400 is one of the best golf irons that could really help higher handicappers get the most from their games.

• Read our full Titleist T400 Irons Review (opens in new tab)

How we test golf irons

Our testing and rating procedure for golf irons is built upon a comprehensive process combined with the knowledge and expertise of the Golf Monthly test team. As far as the specific procedure goes, before testing, the team will usually attend product launches and meet with the manufacturer's R&D experts to understand the new technology.

When it comes to testing, we often head indoors first to try the irons in a controlled environment. This usually takes place on an indoor simulator at Foresight Sports, with premium balls and the GCQuad launch monitor. Our outside testing normally takes place at West Hill Golf Club, a course with top-notch practice facilities.

We think it is vitally important to do both and continue to test the irons so they have been comprehensively put to the test in different conditions. It should also be mentioned that manufacturers cannot pay for a good review and we make our conclusions from the testing and our experiences. This is because we strive to give the best reviews possible so you can get a greater understanding of the irons themselves.

How to choose the best golf irons

As you have seen, the market for golf irons is crowded and confusing and being sure you're getting the most suitable iron for your game can be a minefield. Hopefully, this piece has given you an idea of what the best options are out there right now, but here is some more advice to help you in your quest to find the best golf iron for your game in this crowded and dense marketplace.

Your Handicap And Ability

This is probably the most important first step: knowing which type of iron best suits your game. This is by no means gospel, but higher handicappers tend to use cavity back irons that offer maximum forgiveness in a larger iron head, while mid-low handicappers tend to use more bladed irons (opens in new tab) that are forged, offer more feel and control but less forgiveness.

You'll know how good or perhaps not so good your ball striking tends to be, so make sure you invest in a set of irons that matches where your game is out now, not where you'd ideally want it to be. We have great guides that go into more detail on this, so check out our guide on the most forgiving irons (opens in new tab) if you're a higher handicapper and our guide on the best irons for mid-handicappers (opens in new tab).

Price

This will be a major factor in anyone's decision of what irons to go for. As you'll have seen in this list, the price can vary dramatically between irons. Typically, for a set of cavity back irons - those that provide most distance and forgiveness - you'll be looking between $600-$800 for a set of seven irons.

This obviously can fluctuate between brands, and we've highlighted in this list the ones we think give the best value for money in this category. The price jumps quite significantly when looking at the forged and bladed options - up to and above $1000 - but this is par for the course and you'll be getting a high quality, premium product in return.

Custom Fit

This is probably the most essential part of the iron buying process, no matter the irons you're after or how good you are at the game. A custom fit session will make sure you get the right flex and length of shaft, correct lie angle and correct iron head for your game, meaning you'll finish with the best golf clubs (opens in new tab) that are as suitable as possible for you out on course.

Custom fits can be a daunting process if you're a true beginner or you aren't that confident hitting golf balls in front of people, but they're a vital part of the club buying process. We recommend having a shortlist of three or four iron heads you like the look of before entering a custom fit and then whittling them down to the best for your game during the custom fit process. Custom fits are provided by a number of golf retailers or club professionals at your local golf club.

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